HK1166967B - Method for transferring data from a programming device to a transponder of a train control system, programming device, and transponder - Google Patents

Description

Method for transmitting data from a programming device to a transponder of a train control system, programming device and transponder

Technical Field

The invention relates to a method for transmitting data from a programming device to a transponder (Balise) of a train control system.

Background

In rail transit, i.e. for example in railways or urban streetcars, transponders are used for different applications, such as signalling, train safety and train control. For example, transponders in the so-called Eurobalise format are used in the European Train safety System and the Train Control System "European Train Control System (ETCS)". Generally, a transponder is a point-by-point data transmission device in a track that transmits data when driven by a train or vehicle. Corresponding transponders are known, for example, in the form of "eurobaise S21" from siemens. The transponder can be a so-called transparent data transponder, which transmits data required for train control, for example a signal representation and a command derived therefrom for speed control of a track-located electronic Unit (also referred to as "line electronic Unit") to a vehicle-side interrogation device. Furthermore, "eurobaise S21" can also be used as a so-called fixed data transponder, which transmits a description for the line topology and a position code to the vehicle when it is driven past. In contrast to transparent data transponders, the data transmitted to the vehicle are stored completely permanently in these transponders.

Data must generally be transmitted to the transponder in the framework of installation or start-up of the train control system, i.e. the transponder is programmed or reprogrammed. The data can be, for example, data telegrams intended for the individual transponders, i.e. specific to the transponders. The data or data telegrams usually involved are transmitted to the transponder by means of the mobile programming device after the transponder has been installed on the line. The data transmission between the programming device and the transponder is preferably carried out without a cable connection or without contact, i.e. via an air interface (Luftschnittstelle).

From the literature "Form Fit Function Specification Interface" A ", Eurobalise Transmission Sub-System; ref: ERTMS-EUROSIG/WP3.1.2.3/ABB 007; issue: 5.0.0, 1998-05-20 "there is known a method for transmitting data from a programming device to a transponder of a train control system, in which a total of three transmission channels are used. One aspect of this involves a transmission channel in the form of a so-called "27 MHz tele-power Signals" which is continuously transmitted by a vehicle (i.e., a locomotive or a control car) traveling at the head of a train or train consist in order to trigger the transmission of data or data telegrams when a transponder is driven past. At the same time, this Signal is also used, corresponding to its name, to power the transponder during the approach phase with an electrical power of sufficient magnitude for transmitting data, which electrical power is inductively obtained at the transponder from a remote-Powering Signal (Tele-Powering Signal). Also in the case of programming of the transponder by the programming device, the remote powering signal transmitted in the frequency range of 27MHz is used to energize the transponder.

In addition to a further transmission channel in the case of signals transmitted in the frequency range of 4.2MHz, which are used for signal transmission from the transponder to the programming device, an additional transmission channel in the form of 9MHz is used in the known method. Via which the auxiliary signal is transmitted to the transponder in connection with the programming device. By means of the auxiliary signal, the transponder recognizes that programming should take place and switches or switches to the programming mode. The 9MHz signal is likewise transmitted from the programming device to the transponder by means of inductive coupling, as the two signals mentioned above.

In the known method, a 9MHz auxiliary signal for switching the programming mode of the transponder is transmitted continuously during programming from the programming device to the transponder via an additional antenna in the form of an 8 word. The interference fields are advantageously suppressed to the greatest possible extent by the 8-shaped configuration of the antenna used. A disadvantage of the antenna forms used is, however, that the coupling between the antennas used for transmitting the auxiliary signals is strongly dependent on the distance of the two antennas. Although it is generally possible to transmit the auxiliary signal without problems when the programming device is placed directly on the transponder, in practice problems arise in the case of distances between the programming device and the transponder which need to be increased beyond the usual values. This can be the case, for example, if a sun protection is installed in countries with strong sun exposure to the transponder in order to maintain a reliable operating temperature. Such a solar protection can be formed, for example, by a second transponder housing which surrounds the usual housing of the transponder at a distance of several centimeters. In this case, it can be the case that, without changing the power of the auxiliary signal, the transponder can no longer be switched to the programming mode by means of the auxiliary signal, because the distance between the respective antennas is too great, although the transmission of the 27MHz signal and the 4.2MHz signal can take place without problems as before.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a method for transmitting data from a programming device to a transponder of a train control system, which at the same time enables, in particular, high safety requirements to be met and to be achieved at relatively low cost.

The invention solves the above-mentioned object by means of a method for transmitting data from a programming device to a transponder of a train control system, wherein the transponder is activated by transmitting an activation signal in the form of a signal from the programming device to the transponder via a transmission channel, which signal in the case of another train control system triggers the sending of a data telegram by a transponder of another type of train control system, the activated transponder is switched to a programming mode by means of the programming signal transmitted from the programming device to the transponder via the transmission channel, and the data is transmitted from the programming device to the transponder via the transmission channel by means of the data signal.

The method according to the invention is advantageous because it makes it possible to transmit data from the programming device to the transponder without using an additional transmission channel for the auxiliary signal. This aspect offers the advantage that the previously mentioned distance dependencies in the case of transmission of such auxiliary signals are avoided, whereby the method can be flexibly adapted. Furthermore, the costs and expenditure for providing an antenna for such an auxiliary signal in terms of the programming device and in terms of the transponder can also be avoided.

In order to be able to switch the transponder from the normal mode to the programming mode without the corresponding auxiliary signal, the transponder is activated according to the invention by means of an activation signal transmitted from the programming device to the transponder via a transmission channel. It is to be noted here that in order to switch the transponder into the programming mode, it is generally necessary to sufficiently power the transponder with electrical energy or power transmitted by means of "Tele-Powering". It is furthermore ensured that the previous normal operating mode of the transponder is not disturbed by the presence of the programmed auxiliary circuit.

Sufficient energy is usually present in the transponder for programming and for the required auxiliary circuits only when the transponder is activated by means of a remote supply signal by means of a programming device. However, the problem here is that the transponder does not yet know, at first, whether it is activated by a programming device or by the passing of the vehicle antenna. In the latter case, however, the maximum available power in the transponder is only about 20mW on the basis of the remote supply signal. In the case of a transponder which transmits a data message as a function of the receipt of an activation signal, almost the entire available power is required for this purpose. This means that the evaluation of the programming signal and the operation of the additional circuit parts required for the identification of the programming requirements are generally not possible with simultaneous transmission of data telegrams.

However, the problem is solved according to the invention in that an activation signal is used in the form of a signal which, in the case of another type of train control system, triggers the transmission of a data telegram by means of a transponder of another type of train control signal. For such signals of another type of train control signal, it is generally not permissible or only permissible for short periods of time for the transponder to respond with the transmission of data or data telegrams. In order to be able to detect a corresponding activation signal of another train control signal which may be operated in parallel or in principle may be operated in parallel, the corresponding signal form is generally known for the transponder. After it has thus been recognized on the part of the transponder that it does not permit data transmission in accordance with the received activation Signal, an operating state is preferably provided for the recognition or verification of the programming Signal, in which the transponder on the one hand does not transmit an upstream Signal (Up-Link-Signal), i.e., does not transmit data or does not transmit a data message, but on the other hand is supplied with sufficient energy by means of the activation Signal. Since no data are transmitted on the part of the transponder, i.e. the energy otherwise required for this purpose is advantageously supplied to the transponder in this case, for receiving a programming signal from the programming device via the transmission channel, evaluating the programming signal and switching or switching to the programming mode upon recognition of a programming request. Data can now be transmitted from the programming device to the transponder by means of the data signal via the transmission channel.

Although it is also conceivable in principle to specify a separate activation signal specifically for the case of a programming requirement, i.e. not to use such an activation signal: the activation signal activates the transmission of data telegrams by means of a transponder of another type of train control signal concerned in the case of another type of train control signal. A critical disadvantage in this case, however, is that the additional signal form is analyzed by the vehicle antenna and distinguished from the already existing signal form each time the transponder is activated, i.e., in particular, in the case of activation in normal operation. In the case of the use of a plurality of train control systems in a country or on a route or in principle permitting such use, it is therefore now ensured that the vehicle antenna via the train control signal of the first type does not trigger a data transmission of the transponder of the train control signal of the second type. In this case, the risk of "false positives" in the transponder and thus of errors in determining the required operating state can be greatly increased if an activation signal in the form of another signal is additionally used for the identification of the programming requirement. In particular, it is also conceivable here to analyze the received activation signal very quickly, i.e. for example within the first 20 to 50 μ s after the start of the transponder. Furthermore, the signals to be analyzed are often extremely ambiguous at the very beginning of the driving of the vehicle antenna past the transponder, whereby it is relatively difficult and cumbersome to reliably distinguish between the different signal forms. The method according to the invention thus offers the further advantage that the decision as to whether or not to program can be made only after a critical decision has been made as to whether or not the transponder has to transmit a data message. Additional safety risks are thereby advantageously avoided in the context of the operation of the train control system.

According to a further preferred development, the method according to the invention is implemented such that, in the case of a transponder in the form of a Eurobalise of the european Train Control system etc. (european Train Control system), the transponder is activated by means of an activation signal in the form of a signal which, in the case of a national Train Control system, triggers the sending of a data telegram by the transponder of the national Train Control signal. This is advantageous because (earlier) train control systems which are present in many cases after the introduction of the european train control system ETCS are continued to be used in parallel or are allowed to be used in parallel. Approved within the scope of the ETCS specifications, in order to guarantee the stock protection of railway infrastructure operators, specific (national) train control systems are also allowed to continue to coexist with ETCS in the future. The corresponding train control system is also referred to as "Class B-Systeme, Class B system" within the scope of the ETCS specification.

Specifically, the data is obtained from the files "ERTMS/ETCS-Class 1, Interface" G "Specification, Ref: SUBSET-100; issue: 1.0.1; date: as is known from November 18, 2005 ", the remote powering signals used for activating transponders in the frequency range of 27MHz can have different modulations. In addition to the "Toggling Tele-Powering Signal" for the ETCS specification, which has a 50KHz amplitude modulation with alternating pulse widths and triggers the transmission of data telegrams by the transponder, a so-called "Non-Toggling Tele-Powering Signal" is also specified, which differs from the "Toggling Tele-Powering Signal" in that the pulse widths of the amplitude modulation have the same width and/or length, respectively, at the same carrier frequency and repetition rate.

"Non-toggling Signal" is characteristic for modulation used in another type of different train control system (i.e., in a system different from the ETCS) to activate the transponder of the other train control system involved. In this connection, a transponder in the form of Eurobalise, which is well defined within the scope of the ETCS specification, should not or should not allow data to be transmitted if it receives a remote supply signal with a so-called "Non-toggling" modulation. This means that, within the scope of the ETCS specification, a Signal in the form of a "Non-toggling Signal" is preferably already provided, which is advantageously used by the programming device as an activation Signal for activating the transponder. On the one hand, this ensures that the transponder is activated anyway, wherein the term "activation" does not include the transmission of data telegrams but only the switching on of the circuit components of the transponder concerned. On the other hand, the transponder recognizes the received activation signal as a signal which does not allow the signal to be answered with the transmission of data or data telegrams, thereby ensuring that: the transponder has sufficient electrical power to analyze a programming signal that is subsequently transmitted by the programming device to the transponder via the transmission channel. As soon as the transponder has recognized the programming request, it can switch to the programming mode by switching on the other circuit parts required for programming. This is possible because in the case of activation of the transponder by the programming device, a greater electrical power is provided than the power of about 20mW typically provided by the vehicle antenna. The electrical power supplied by the programming device can thus be, for example, more than 40mW, whereby all circuit parts of the transponder can be switched on.

According to a further particularly preferred embodiment, the method according to the invention is designed in such a way that an identification signal with a transponder identification is transmitted by the transponder to the programming device upon a successful changeover to the programming mode, and the data to be transmitted are selected by the programming device on the basis of the received transponder identification. This is advantageous because with the aid of the transponder identification it is possible to signal to the programming device: the transponder recognizes and receives the programming signal and has switched to the programming mode. The analysis of the transponder identification furthermore makes it possible for the programming device to select the data to be transmitted on the basis of the received transponder identification. The transponder identification can be specific to the type of the respective transponder or can unambiguously identify the respective transponder individually, depending on the respective requirements.

The method according to the invention can preferably also be operated such that data received by the transponder by means of a data signal are stored in a memory device of the transponder and the data stored in the memory device are transmitted back to the programming device by means of a further data signal. This is advantageous because the reverse transmission of data received by the transponder makes it possible to verify the correct transmission and storage of data in the transponder on the programming device side.

In principle, the signal transmission between the programming device and the transponder can take place in different ways. According to a further particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the signal is transmitted contactlessly between the programming device and the transponder by means of inductive coupling. This provides the advantage that no splice to the cable is required in respect of the transponder. A corresponding joint is disadvantageous, in particular, when taking into account the harsh environmental conditions in the rail. Furthermore, the transmission of signals by means of inductive coupling involves a data transmission mode, which is also implemented between the vehicle antenna and the transponder. This advantageously avoids the overhead for an additional interface on the part of the transponder.

In principle, transponders used within the scope of the method according to the invention can have their own power supply or a connection to a corresponding power supply unit. According to a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the transponder inductively generates the electrical power required for its operation from the signal received from the programming device. This is advantageous for the known and usual operating mode, since a separate energy supply with regard to corresponding components and/or cabling overhead in the track is thereby avoided.

The invention also relates to a programming device for transmitting data to a transponder of a train control system.

Such a programming device is known from the company publication "Eurobalise S21 fur Train Guard-fur die Kommunikon zwischen Strecke und Fahrzeug, Bestell-Nr. A19100-V100-B875-V1" by Siemens.

With regard to the programming device, the object of the invention is to provide a programming device which supports a particularly efficient, high-safety-oriented and relatively low-cost method for transmitting data from the programming device to a train control system.

The above object is achieved according to the invention by a programming device for transmitting data to a transponder of a train control system, wherein the programming device is designed for generating an activation signal in the form of a signal which, in the case of another type of train control system, triggers the transmission of a data telegram by a transponder of another type of train control system, for transmitting the activation signal to the transponder via a transmission channel, for generating the programming signal, and for transmitting the programming signal to the transponder via the transmission channel in order to switch the activated transponder into a programming mode, and for generating a data signal from the data, and for transmitting the data to the transponder via the transmission channel by means of the data signal.

The advantages of the programming apparatus according to the invention correspond mainly to the advantages of the method according to the invention, so that reference is made to the corresponding explanations above in connection with this.

The invention also includes a transponder for a train control system.

With regard to transponders, the object of the invention is to provide a transponder which supports a particularly efficient, high-safety-oriented and relatively low-cost method for transmitting data from a programming device to a transponder of a train control system.

The above object is achieved according to the invention by a transponder for a train control system, wherein the transponder is designed to receive an activation signal in the form of a signal from a programming device via a transmission channel to trigger the transmission of a data telegram by a transponder of another type of train control signal in the case of another type of train control system, to receive the programming signal from the programming device via the transmission channel, and to switch the transponder into a programming mode in dependence on the reception of the programming signal and to receive data from the programming device via the transmission channel by means of the data signal.

With regard to the advantages of the transponder according to the invention, reference is likewise made to the preceding explanations relating thereto with regard to the method according to the invention.

The invention also comprises a device with a programming device according to the invention and a transponder according to the invention.

Drawings

The invention is explained in detail below with reference to embodiments with the aid of the drawings. Wherein the content of the first and second substances,

fig. 1 shows schematically the signals transmitted from the programming device to the transponder via the transmission channel in the course of an embodiment of the method according to the invention, and

fig. 2 shows schematically the signals transmitted from the transponder via a further transmission channel to the programming device in the course of an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a signal transmitted from a programming device to a transponder via a transmission channel in the course of an embodiment of the method according to the invention. The signal SK1 transmitted from the programming device to the transponder via the transmission channel K1 is shown here as a function of time t.

In the following, it is assumed that the transponder is eurobaise of the European Train Control System (European Train Control System). Now, in order to transmit data from the programming device to the transponder, i.e. for example to program or reprogram the transponder, the activation signal AS is first transmitted from the programming device to the transponder via a transmission channel in the form of a 27MHz transmission channel. In this case, the transmission of the activation signal AS takes place at the time t₀The process is carried out. The activation signal AS used here is a "Non-toggling Tele-PoweringSignal" according to the ETCS specification SUBSET-1001, i.e. the transponder is activated by an activation signal in the form of a signal which, in the case of another type of train control system, triggers the transmission of a data telegram by means of a transponder of another type of train control signal. The exact carrier frequency of the activation signal AS is thus 27.095MHz or in the old system case 27.115MHz, the repetition rate of the Amplitude modulation in the form of ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying) modulation is 50KHz and the pulse gap width is 2.0 to 3.5 mus.

It is also assumed that the transponder generates or couples out the electrical power required for its operation completely inductively from the activation signal AS received by the programming device. The same applies in each case with regard to the signals transmitted from the programming device to the transponder via the transmission channel, i.e. the transponder is supplied with electrical power or with electrical energy only by means of remote power supply (Tele-Powering) by the programming device.

After activation of the transponder by the "Non-toggling Tele-Power Signal", the activated transponder is assisted by the slave time t₁From programming equipment via transmissionThe programming signal PS transmitted by the channel to the transponder is switched to the programming mode. This takes place in that the programming device changes the modulation of the signal transmitted to the transponder and thus transmits the "programming key" to the transponder by means of the programming signal PS. The programming key (which is a specific bit pattern) is analyzed by the transponder. After identifying the programming request, the transponder switches to a programming mode.

Further processes are explained in connection with fig. 1 and 2. Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a signal S transmitted from a transponder via a further transmission channel K2 to a programming device in the course of an embodiment of the method according to the invention_K2As a function of time t. The type illustrated here corresponds to that of fig. 1, wherein the two graphs furthermore have the same reference point or zero point with respect to time t.

Corresponding to the representation in fig. 1, the programming signal PS, i.e. the programming key, IS transmitted from the programming device until the transponder responds with the identification signal IS according to the representation in fig. 2, which identification signal IS transmitted from the transponder to the programming device via a further transmission channel K2 in the form of a 4.2MHz or more precisely a 4.24MHz back channel. The identification signal IS transmitted from the transponder to the programming device in accordance with a successful changeover to the programming mode and contains the transponder identification. After the transmission of the identification signal IS from the transponder to the programming device at the time t2, the programming device recognizes, based on the received identification signal IS: the transponder receives the key, i.e. the programming request. The programming device selects the data to be transmitted to the transponder, i.e. for example the data telegram to be programmed, as a function of the received transponder identification, and, as shown in fig. 1, selects the data to be transmitted to the transponder from the time t₃Data transmission to the transponder via the transmission channel K1 is started by means of a data signal DS formed by amplitude modulation of the carrier frequency.

In the transponder, the data received by means of the data signal DS are stored in a Memory device, i.e. for example in an Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM). In order to be able to verify proper operation of the transmission and storage device, the transponder then transmits, beginning at time t4 in accordance with the representation in fig. 2, a further data signal DS' to the programming device, which contains the data read back from the storage device, via a further transmission channel K2. The programming device can thus recognize errors in the data transmission or in the storage of data in the transponder by comparing the selected and transmitted data with the data transmitted back by the transponder.

After the end of the data transmission or programming, i.e. after the disappearance of the signal from the programming device, the transponder automatically switches back to the normal mode.

The previously described method for transmitting data from a programming device to a transponder is advantageous because auxiliary signals transmitted from the programming device to the transponder via an additional transmission channel can be dispensed with. In this case, components are also preferably saved with regard to the transponder and the programming device, as a result of which the construction of these components can be simplified and costs can be saved. Furthermore, problems caused by the use of the auxiliary signal, for example in the form of a distance dependence of the transmission of the auxiliary signal, are advantageously avoided. The method according to the invention thus makes it possible to increase the distance between the transponder to be programmed and the programming device significantly, i.e. for example in the order of a few centimeters, so that special practical situations, for example, the necessity for the photoprotection of the transponder, can be taken into account. This is avoided in particular under specific construction conditions: in order to program it, the transponder needs to be disassembled.

In addition, a signal is used as an activation signal, which, in the case of another type of train control system, triggers the transmission of a data telegram by means of a transponder of the other type of train control system and is already taken into account within the scope of the ETCS specification, so that the definition or use of an additional signal form is advantageously avoided. The risk of safety development or that can be developed in relation to the train control system taking into account these additional signal forms is thereby advantageously avoided.

Overall, the method is thus particularly flexible to use and can be implemented at low cost, with high safety requirements being met at the same time.

Claims (9)

1. A method for transmitting data from a programming device to a transponder of a train control system, wherein

Activating the transponder by transmitting an Activation Signal (AS) in the form of a signal from the programming device to the transponder via a transmission channel, which signal triggers the sending of a data message by the transponder of the other type of train control system in the case of the other type of train control system,

-switching the activated transponder into a programming mode by means of a Programming Signal (PS) transmitted from the programming device to the transponder via said transmission channel, and

-transmitting data from the programming device to the transponder via the transmission channel by means of a Data Signal (DS).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that in the case of a transponder in the form of a european transponder of the european Train Control system etc (european Train Control system), the transponder is activated by means of an Activation Signal (AS) in the form of a signal which, in the case of a national Train Control system, triggers the sending of a data telegram by the transponder of the national Train Control system.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,

-transmitting an identification signal with a transponder identification from the transponder to the programming device upon successful transition to a programming mode, and

-selecting data to be transmitted from the programming device on the basis of the received transponder identification.

4. The method of claim 3,

-data received by the transponder by means of the Data Signal (DS) are stored in a memory device of the transponder, and

-transferring the data stored in the memory means back to the programming device by means of a further data signal (DS').

5. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the signals (AS, PS, DS, IS, DS') are transmitted contactlessly between the programming device and the transponder by means of inductive coupling.

6. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transponder inductively generates the electrical power required for its operation from the signal (AS, PS, DS) received by the programming device.

7. A programming device for transmitting data to a transponder of a train control system, wherein the programming device is configured to:

-for generating an Activation Signal (AS) in the form of a signal which, in the case of another type of train control system, triggers the sending of a data telegram by means of a transponder of said another type of train control system, and for transmitting said Activation Signal (AS) to said transponder via a transmission channel,

-for generating a Programming Signal (PS) and for transmitting said Programming Signal (PS) to the transponder via said transmission channel in order to switch the activated transponder into a programming mode, and

-for generating a Data Signal (DS) from the data and for transmitting the data to the transponder via the transmission channel by means of said Data Signal (DS).

8. A transponder for a train control system, wherein the transponder is configured to:

-an Activation Signal (AS) for receiving from the programming device via the transmission channel in the form of a signal which, in the case of a further type of train control system, triggers the transmission of a data telegram by means of a transponder of the further type of train control system,

-for receiving a Programming Signal (PS) from said programming device via said transmission channel, and for switching the transponder to a programming mode in dependence on the reception of said Programming Signal (PS), and

-for receiving data from the programming device via the transmission channel by means of a Data Signal (DS).

9. A device having a programming apparatus for transmitting data to a transponder of a train control system according to claim 7 and a transponder for a train control system according to claim 8.